Obama congratulates Karzai, urges governance improvement

US President Barack Obama congratulated Afghan leader Hamid Karzai on his re-election. He says Karzai should now take serious measures in eradicating corruption and better serving his people.

Obama said, "About an hour ago, I spoke with President Karzai and I congratulated him on his election for a second term as president of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Although the process was messy, I'm pleased to say that the final outcome was determined in accordance with Afghan law."

U.S. President Barack Obama speaks to the media in the Grand Foyer  of the White House with Afghan President Hamid Karzai (L) at his  side after their meeting with Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari  in Washington May 6, 2009. US President Barack Obama congratulated Afghan leader Hamid Karzai on his re-election. He says Karzai should now take serious measures in eradicating corruption and better serving his people.(REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque)